Ronald A Foster

US Patent:

6500577, Dec 31, 2002

Filed:

Dec 26, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/745566

Inventors:

Ronald B. Foster - Garland TX 75044

International Classification:

H01M 810

US Classification:

429 32, 429 30, 429 26, 429 34, 429 96

Abstract:

Disclosed is a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell assembly apparatus for receiving an inserted membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The apparatus includes modular features for connecting a plurality of fuel cells into a planar fuel cell âstackâ capable of using ambient air to supply oxidant gas and dissipate heat and water vapor. The invention also facilitates convenient removal and replacement of individual cells or MEAs in a stack without disassembly of the entire stack.

US Patent:

20030096146, May 22, 2003

Filed:

Mar 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/821505

Inventors:

Ronald Foster - Garland TX, US

International Classification:

H01M008/10
H01M004/86
H01M004/92
H01M004/94

US Classification:

429/030000, 429/044000, 429/033000

Abstract:

Disclosed is a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) apparatus constructed on a planar substrate. The substrate provides mechanical support for the MEA and also facilitates the inclusion of further integrated circuitry operably coupled to the MEA. Also disclosed is integrated circuitry providing MEA fuel cells with self-contained control circuitry, as well as integrated circuitry with self-contained fuel cell power sources. The invention also provides increased MEA performance and reduced cost as a result of the reduced thickness of the electrolyte material.

US Patent:

51133288, May 12, 1992

Filed:

Mar 18, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/671254

Inventors:

Ronald A. Foster - Duncanville TX
Ruben A. Reyes - Dallas TX

International Classification:

F21S 300

US Classification:

362223

Abstract:

A neon tube lighting system, support apparatus and extrusion therefor is described for use in supporting neon tubing along a corner of a support surface. The support assembly preferably comprises an extrusion, a reflector and an elongate lens member. The extrusion has first and second wall members, and an angled base member interconnecting the first and second wall members and including a support, wherein the wall members and the base member form an enclosure having an opening therein between the first and second wall members. Each of said first and second wall members of the extrusion includes an angular member extending into the enclosure towards the angled base member to form a bearing or support surface. The reflector has first and second angular wall members and an intermediate member interconnecting the first and second angular wall members. Each of the first and second angular wall members includes an edge cooperating with the respective bearing surface of the angular member when the reflector is secured to the support to secure the reflector means in the enclosure.

US Patent:

51307600, Jul 14, 1992

Filed:

Jun 11, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/714113

Inventors:

Walter T. Matzen - Richardson TX
Ronald B. Foster - Garland TX

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01L 2990

US Classification:

357 13

Abstract:

A semiconductor device is provided for use as a bidirectional surge suppressor circuit. It incorporates doped regions of substrate and epitaxial layers which result in a dual Zener diode arrangement having the Zener diodes associated in an opposite polarity arrangement. The semiconductor device comprises a substrate with an epitaxial layer deposited on one of its surfaces. In an upper surface of the epitaxial layer, first and second regions of P type material are diffused with guard rings comprising P+ type material diffused around the first and second regions. The guard rings are heavily doped and extend much deeper than the relatively shallow junctions of P material. A channel stopper of N+ conductivity type material is diffused into the upper surface of the epitaxial layer to provide a channel stopper, or sinker, around both the first and second regions and their associated guard rings and, additionally, between the first and second regions. This structure provides several significant advantages including reduced current leakage reliability, uniform breakdown voltage, crack resistance and a smaller area needed to provide the required thermal capacity.

US Patent:

49529048, Aug 28, 1990

Filed:

Dec 23, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/289098

Inventors:

Robert G. Johnson - Minnetonka MN
James O. Holmen - Minnetonka MN
Ronald B. Foster - Garland TX
Uppili Sridhar - Garland TX

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01L 1010

US Classification:

338 36

Abstract:

The marginal adhesion of platinum to silicon nitride is a serious issue in the fabrication of microbridge mass air flow sensors. High temperature stabilization anneals (500. degree. -1000. degree. C. ) are necessary to develop the properties and stability necessary for effective device operation. However, the annealing process results in a significant reduction in the already poor platinum/silicon nitride adhesion. Annealing at relatively high temperatures leads to the development of numerous structural defects and the production of non-uniform and variable sensor resistance values. The use of a thin metal oxide adhesion Layvr, approximately 20 To 100 angstromw in thickness is very effective in maintaining platinum adhesion to silicon nitride, and through the high temperature anneal sequence.

US Patent:

50016130, Mar 19, 1991

Filed:

Jul 10, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/550614

Inventors:

Ronald A. Foster - Duncanville TX
Ruben A. Reyes - Dallas TX

International Classification:

F21S 300

US Classification:

362223

Abstract:

A neon tube lighting system, support apparatus and extrusion therefor is described for use in overcoming the problems associated with prior art free-standing neon tube lighting systems. The support assembly preferably comprises an extrusion, a reflector and an elongate lens member. The extrusion has first and second wall members located in substantially parallel aligned relation, and a bottom wall member interconnecting the first and second wall members and including a support, wherein the wall members form an enclosure having an opening therein between the first and second side wall members. Each of said first and second wall members of the extrusion includes an angular member extending into the enclosure towards the bottom wall member to form a bearing surface. The reflector has first and second angular wall members and a bottom wall member interconnecting the first and second angular wall members. According to the invention, each of the first and second angular wall members includes an edge cooperating with the respective bearing surface of the angular member when the reflector is secured to the support means to secure the reflector means in the enclosure.

US Patent:

45078513, Apr 2, 1985

Filed:

Apr 30, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/373778

Inventors:

Keith A. Joyner - Richardson TX
Ronald B. Foster - Garland TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

C23C 1500
H01L 21443

US Classification:

29590

Abstract:

Disclosed is a process for depositing a metal film on a silicon oxide or silicon nitride surface. This process provides an extremely adherent metallic film and is resistant to interdiffusion between the semiconductor, the insulator, and the metal. The process includes forming contact openings through an insulating layer to a silicon substrate; sputter etching the insulating layer and exposed substrate; depositing layers of platinum, a barrier metal and a conducting metal; and heating to form platinum silicide in the contact openings. The process is useful in forming an electrical interconnection system on a semiconductor device.

US Patent:

52096742, May 11, 1993

Filed:

Feb 6, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/831007

Inventors:

Ronald A. Foster - Duncanville TX
Ruben A. Reyes - Dallas TX

International Classification:

H01R 3302

US Classification:

439235

Abstract:

The invention describes a connector for a pair of neon tubes supported in an end-to-end manner, each of the tubes having a reversely bent end. The connector comprises a support base formed of insulating material and having a longitudinally-extending slot, an electrical connector supported in the base underlying the slot, and first and second electrode housings supported in opposed relation, each of the electrode housings slidably mounted on the base and including a contactor for being received in the slot when the electrode housing is located in a first position to thereby complete and electrical connection between the ends of the neon tubes.